Table 4

Properties of macronutrients

PropertiesFatProteinCarbohydrateAlcohol
kcal/g (kJ/g)9 (38)4 (17)4 (17)7 (29)
Energy densityHighLowLowHigh
Thermic effect (as % of energy content)2–3%25–30%6–8%15–20%
Storage capacityHighNoneLowNone
AutoregulationPoorGoodGoodPoor
Ability to suppress hungerLowHighHighNegative (stimulating)